Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Admits Truth About Roki Sasaki Post Game 6
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided insight into his strategic decision to replace rookie reliever Roki Sasaki with Tyler Glasnow during a crucial moment in Game 6 of the World Series.
Roberts’ Decision to Switch Pitchers
In the eighth inning, Sasaki entered the game from the bullpen. He managed to navigate the inning without conceding any runs, despite facing some challenges. As the ninth inning began, Sasaki faced difficulties against the first few batters.
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk fell behind in the count before Sasaki hit him with a split-finger pitch. Following that, Addison Barger hit a double, putting runners on second and third base. This prompted Roberts to make a change.
Roberts Explained His Rationale
Roberts expressed his concerns about Sasaki’s sharpness during a post-game interview. “I felt that Roki wasn’t as sharp, and we needed some swing-and-miss,” he explained. Glasnow was already warming up, and the situation called for a pitcher with elite capabilities.
- Roberts had noted Sasaki’s struggles prior to the change.
- Roberts emphasized the need for effective pitches to handle the opposing batters.
Glasnow’s Impact
Tyler Glasnow quickly proved to be a shrewd choice. He recorded three outs in just three pitches, showcasing efficiency under pressure. Glasnow forced Ernie Clement to pop out and then executed a remarkable double play with Kiké Hernandez and Miguel Rojas.
Significance of the Victory
This win was monumental for the Dodgers, pushing them into Game 7 of the World Series. It also marked Glasnow’s first MLB save, which came at a critical moment in the championship series.
The Dodgers now have the opportunity to become the first team to secure back-to-back championships in 25 years. Game 7 is set for Saturday at 5:00 p.m. PT, and the anticipation continues to build as fans prepare for this decisive matchup.
